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carbonispretty
07-09-07, 02:12 PM
hey everyone, im a junior racer from the flatest part of califronia. im leaving friday to seaside on a roadtrip with some buddies, and im taking my bike trying to get the most out of the beautiful OR coast and climbs. anyone familiar with Seaside? just looking for rides & routes, the more climbing the better. thanks
todd
pedal lber
07-09-07, 05:47 PM
Todd, I grew up in Seaside and still get down there frequently. There is some good riding in the area, unfortunately not a lot of serious climbing available. Not knowing how tied to Seaside you are and what kind of distances you want to ride its difficult to give you ideas.
If you can get down to Tillamook, about 50 miles south of Seaside, I would recommend the 3 capes. Its a part of the Oregon Coast Bike Route and very scenic, great views of the ocean and 2 or 3 reasonable climbs. 40 and 60 mile loop rides are possible. This route is very well signed so you shouldn't have to much touble finding it.
Out of Seaside itself, you could try an out and back to Saddle Mtn State Park. You head south from town follow signs to Portland (US 26). Just pass the Necanicum Junction (SR 53) there are signs for the park. The climbing starts as you exit the US 26 and head up Saddle Mtn Rd. I haven't been up there in a long time but seem to remember the road to be narrow and winding. Route back is all down hill! Approx 42miles out and back.
You could also try taking SR 53. It heads south, when it joins with US 101 head north back to Seaside. The loop from Seaside is 60+ miles. There are a couple of long climbs after you get on 101.
I would not recommend it, but another possibility is Seaside to Ecola State Park and beyond. Head south from Seaside and follow signs to Cannon Beach. Take the first CB exit. At the bottom of the hill, follow signs to Ecola State Park. The road is narrow, winding, highly trafficed, and has no shoulder. If you decide to do this ride, go on a weekday and early morning to avoid as much traffic as possible. Ecola is a very popular destination for tourists. The 5 miles or so from CB to the end of the road will give you about 1100' of climbing. If you go back to Seaside you'll get another 500' mostly climbing out of CB.
If you're not familiar with the Oregon Coast, it can get windy (15 to 20 mph). They generally start up anywhere from 10AM to 1PM and in the summer come out of the NW, so get started early if you don't want to deal with them.
Enjoy to coast!
Jon